Bedourie

Bedourie meaning 'Dust Storm' is another historic Outback town, Bedourie started life in the 1880s as a major watering and rest stop for drovers and cattle. Cobb and Co coaches serviced the town.

Bedourie is an Oasis in the Desert. Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire Council. Covering 94690 square metres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark. Excellent town facilities include motel, hotel with meals, cabins, caravan parks, restaurant and tavern, general store, fuel and auto services, police station, and a medical clinic.

A particular favourite is the 22 person therapeutic spa with the warm, fresh, crystal-clear water coming directly from an artesian bore. To soak up the historic atmosphere of Bedourie is a 'must do' experience. The Royal Hotel was first licensed in the early 1880s and has since traded continuously.

The famous Bedourie Camp Oven, invented in the droving camps of a bygone era, can still be purchased in town. In contrast to all the history, the modern Simpson Desert Oasis motel, ensuite caravan park and bar offer visitors every convenience.

Just a day trip from Bedourie is the fabulous Diamantina National Park, well known for its fishing (Hunters Gorge), birds, wildlife and scenery. Overnight camping is also permitted.

Bedourie is home to many events. In the second weekend in September, Bedourie hosts its annual race meet as part of the famed Desert Racing carnival. July sees the gymkhana, campdraft and rodeo and all the fun of camel racing draw a large number of sport loving visitors.

Permanent water in the nearby creek means numerous species of birds can be observed at Carcory Ruins. Cuttaburra Crossing is a renowned wetland area, with prolific birdlife.

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The Simpson Desert is undoubtedly Australia's most loved desert with large numbers of visitors each year accepting the challenge of crossing the Simpson. Winter rains carpet the desert in wildflowers and the night skies are a star gazers delight.

An Australian Outback Adventure, the well maintained, unsealed track links Birdsville in Queensland's south-west to Maree in the mid-north of South Australia. The Birdsville Track covers some of Australia's most beautiful and challenging country, passing through the Simpson Desert and Sturt's Stoney Desert.

The landscape and scenery on the Winton - Boulia via Diamantina National Park journey will leave you awestruck. A challenging journey, this relatively isolated route will require the driver to be well prepared as there are no fuel or food facilities.

Diamantina National Park has been named one of Australia’s top 10 national parks by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. The drive passes through a variety of landscapes, from the river channels and waterholes on the flood plains, to sand dunes, gibber plains and grasslands.

In Diamantina National Park, the mighty Diamantina River, one of Queensland’s longest, cuts braided channels through gibber flats, sand dunes and red-capped ranges. The park supports a large number of rare and threatened plants and animals, including the greater bilby.

The Red Sandhills ten kilometres west of Windorah on the Birdsville Road are the reddest that you will find anywhere. They may not be very high, but they are worth stopping to admire, especially for photographers.

One of Australia’s rarest plants, the Waddi Trees (Acacia puece) have spiky, needle-like leaves and thick bark. The Waddi tree piqued early explorer William John Wills’ interest, with some samples of the seeds found buried in his diary after his death.

Have your camera ready when you arrive at Deon's Lookout. You will love the spectacular and long-ranging views. With a rest area, public toilets and picnic table, this is a great place to break your journey.

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Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).